Pohang University of Science And Technology (POSTECH)
Moo-Hwan Kim
Summary
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is a private research university located in Pohang, South Korea. Established in 1986, POSTECH has quickly become one of the leading universities in Korea, consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the country and in Asia.
POSTECH's academic programs focus on science and technology, including physical sciences, life sciences, engineering, and management. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including chemistry, physics, mathematics, mechanical engineering, and industrial and management engineering. POSTECH is also home to several research centers, including the Center for Advanced Materials and the Center for Superfunctional Materials.
POSTECH has a strong emphasis on research, with many faculty members actively engaged in cutting-edge research projects in a variety of fields. The university has established partnerships with several leading research institutions and universities around the world, including MIT, Caltech, and Oxford University.
POSTECH has a diverse student body, with students from over 60 countries enrolled in its programs. The university provides various support programs and services for international students, including language classes and cultural activities.
POSTECH is widely recognized for its academic excellence and research accomplishments, and it has produced numerous leaders in various fields, including business, politics, and academia.
History
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) was established in 1986 with the goal of promoting science and technology education and research in South Korea. The idea for the university was first proposed in 1983 by the chairman of Pohang Iron and Steel Company (POSCO), Park Tae-joon, who envisioned a university that would foster technological innovation and contribute to the development of the country.
In 1985, a preparatory committee was formed to plan the establishment of the university, and in February 1986, POSTECH was officially founded. The university's first president was Hwang Chang-young, a renowned physicist who had previously served as the president of KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology).
POSTECH's first academic program was the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, which offered undergraduate and graduate degrees. Over the years, the university expanded its academic programs to include other fields of science and technology, such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, and mechanical engineering, as well as interdisciplinary programs in areas such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, and information technology.
POSTECH's commitment to research has been a key factor in its success. The university established several research centers and institutes, such as the Center for Advanced Materials, the Center for Superfunctional Materials, and the Institute for Basic Science, which have made significant contributions to scientific and technological advancements in Korea and around the world.
POSTECH has also formed partnerships with leading research institutions and universities worldwide, such as MIT, Caltech, and Oxford University, to promote collaboration and exchange of knowledge and expertise.
In recognition of its achievements and contributions to science and technology education and research, POSTECH has received numerous accolades and honors, including being ranked as one of the top universities in Korea and Asia. Today, POSTECH continues to uphold its commitment to excellence in education and research and to shape the future of science and technology in Korea and beyond.
Courses
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses in various fields of science, engineering, and management. The university is divided into four schools: the School of Natural Science, the School of Life Science, the School of Engineering, and the School of Management and Technology. Each school offers several departments and programs that students can choose from.
The School of Natural Science includes departments in physics, mathematics, and chemistry. The physics department offers courses in areas such as mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and statistical physics. The mathematics department covers subjects such as algebra, calculus, analysis, and topology. The chemistry department offers courses in organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry.
The School of Life Science includes departments in biology and biochemistry. The biology department offers courses in areas such as molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology, and ecology. The biochemistry department covers subjects such as protein structure and function, metabolism, and biochemical pathways.
The School of Engineering includes departments in mechanical engineering, materials science and engineering, industrial and management engineering, and electronic and electrical engineering. The mechanical engineering department offers courses in areas such as thermodynamics, mechanics, and manufacturing. The materials science and engineering department covers subjects such as materials characterization, processing, and properties. The industrial and management engineering department offers courses in areas such as operations research, logistics, and supply chain management. The electronic and electrical engineering department covers subjects such as digital systems, communication systems, and control systems.
The School of Management and Technology includes departments in management and technology management. The management department offers courses in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, and organizational behavior. The technology management department covers subjects such as innovation management, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization.
POSTECH also offers several interdisciplinary programs, including the Creative IT Engineering program, the Biotechnology program, the Nano Science and Technology program, and the Environmental Science and Engineering program. These programs allow students to combine different fields of study and gain a broad perspective on various scientific and technological issues.
Global MBA rankings
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is widely recognized as one of the top universities in Korea and Asia. The university has consistently ranked high in various international and domestic rankings, reflecting its academic excellence, research achievements, and international reputation.
In the QS World University Rankings 2022, POSTECH was ranked 70th in the world, the highest among Korean universities. The university was particularly strong in the categories of citations per faculty, employer reputation, and international faculty ratio.
In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2022, POSTECH was ranked 101-125th in the world, and was again the highest ranked Korean university. The university was particularly strong in the categories of citations, international outlook, and industry income.
In the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2021, also known as the Shanghai Rankings, POSTECH was ranked 201-300th in the world and was among the top ten Korean universities. The university was particularly strong in the categories of natural sciences and engineering.
POSTECH has also been recognized for its research excellence. In the 2020 Nature Index rankings, POSTECH was ranked 41st in the world and 2nd in Korea for research output in natural sciences. The university has produced numerous world-class researchers and innovators in various fields, including Nobel laureate Kim Dae-jung in physics and Turing Award winner Leslie G. Valiant in computer science.
In addition to international rankings, POSTECH has received high rankings in various domestic rankings, including the JoongAng Ilbo University Rankings, the Chosun Ilbo University Rankings, and the Korean Council for University Education evaluations.
Job integration rate
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) has a strong reputation for producing graduates who are well-prepared to enter the workforce and succeed in their chosen careers. The university has a high job integration rate, with a large percentage of graduates finding employment within a few months of graduation.
According to the 2020 employment survey conducted by POSTECH, 92.7% of the university's graduates found employment within six months of graduation, which is higher than the national average of 67.6%. The survey also found that the average starting salary for POSTECH graduates was 47.2 million won (about $41,000 USD), which is significantly higher than the national average starting salary of 30.6 million won (about $26,000 USD).
POSTECH graduates are highly sought after by employers in various industries, including technology, engineering, finance, and consulting. Many graduates go on to work for leading companies in Korea and abroad, such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and SK. Others pursue further studies in graduate programs at prestigious universities around the world.
POSTECH provides a wide range of career development resources and services to help students prepare for their future careers. These include career counseling, job search support, internships, networking opportunities, and career fairs. The university also has strong partnerships with industry and government organizations, which provide students with opportunities for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
General information
Pohang University of Science And Technology (POSTECH)
Campus: Urban
77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Moo-Hwan Kim